A Journey Through Time: Commemorating 60 Years Since 1963 in the UK.

2nd January 202421st March 2023

The year 2023 will be the 60th anniversary of the year 1963, if you are wondering what happened in 1963 in the UK let us remind you. First, I will tell you what the year 1963 was like in the United Kingdom. And I will give you some information about all the major events, which happened during this amazing year. In 1963. Many notable events occurred during this period those who lived them will know, this blog will help remind and inform those of a younger vintage.

Check out our new blog post for commemorating 60 years since 1964 in the UK that is relevant to 2024.

Gifts suitable for 60th Birthdays and Anniversaries

It’s your chance to celebrate 60th anniversary this year with a unique gift that reflects and captures the news and hit music of 1963.

We have a great selection of CD and DVD greeting cards that capture and reflect all the news and hit music of 1963. Perfect to gift to anyone celebrating their 60th Birthday or Anniversary this year.

Buy one now

What happened in 1963 in the UK

10 Events that made the headlines this year include:

The Great Train Robbery On 8th August 1963, one of the most infamous heists in British history occurred. A gang of 15 thieves stole £2.6 million (equivalent to over £50 million today) from a Royal Mail train travelling between Glasgow and London.
Profumo Affair Scandal In June 1963, the Profumo Affair came to light. This scandal involved John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War, and his affair with Christine Keeler, a 19-year-old model. The scandal led to Profumo’s resignation and had a significant impact on the Conservative government’s reputation.
The Beatles Release Their First Album The Beatles, one of the most iconic British bands, released their first album, “Please Please Me,” on 22nd March 1963. The album was recorded in just 10 hours and marked the beginning of the Beatles’ legendary music career.
The First Female Prime Minister of the UK In October 1963, the Conservative Party chose Sir Alec Douglas-Home as their leader, making him the Prime Minister. However, Margaret Thatcher, the future first female Prime Minister of the UK, also entered Parliament for the first time as an MP in 1963.
The Launch of the First James Bond Film On 5th October 1963, the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” premiered in UK cinemas. Starring Sean Connery as the suave British secret agent, the film became an instant hit and spawned a successful and enduring film franchise.
The Birth of the ‘Doctor Who’ TV Series The British science-fiction television series “Doctor Who” first aired on BBC One on 23rd November 1963. It has since become the longest-running sci-fi TV show in the world, with a dedicated fanbase and numerous spin-offs.
Martin Luther King’s Visit to the UK In October 1963, American civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the UK to give a speech on racial equality at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
The Opening of the Dartford Tunnel On 18th November 1963, the Dartford Tunnel, an essential transport link connecting Kent and Essex, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. The tunnel has since been expanded and remains a crucial part of the UK’s road network.
The Pilkington Committee Report on Broadcasting In 1963, the Pilkington Committee published its report on the future of British broadcasting. This report led to the establishment of BBC Two and the creation of colour television broadcasting in the UK.
Viva Maria! The first legal off-track betting shops opened in the UK in 1963, following the Betting and Gaming Act of 1960. ‘Viva Maria!’ was the first winner of an off-course bet at a betting shop in the UK.

Other news worthy events of 1963

Worst Winter since 1947.
Martin Luther King Jr. Gave his famous ‘I have a Dream’ speech.
Coca-Cola launched Tab. Forerunner to Diet Coke.
President of USA, John F. Kennedy is Assassinated.
National Service Ends in the UK

Sports In 1963

Tottenham Hotspurs become the first British Football team to win a European trophy by winning the European cup winners cup, 5-1 against Atletico Madrid.
Man U beat Leicester City 3-1 to lift the FA Cup
Everton finish top of the League.
Rilko ridden by Yves Saint-Martin won the Epsom Derby by 6 Lengths
American Chuck McKinley won the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Championship. Austrialia’s Margaret Smith won the Women’s Singles.

What Symbol is 1963 in the Chinses zodiac

1963 was the year of the Rabbit

When was the Chinese lunar new year in 1963?

In 1963 the Chinese new year was on 25th January

Anniversaries in 1963

London Underground celebrated it’s centenary Anniversary in 1963. First Opened in 1863 it is the oldest underground public rail network in the world.
Two anniversaries in the UK in 1963 were to do with Women’s Rights. It marked the 50th Anniversary of the Suffragette Derby, known as it was when suffragette Emily Davison died after throwing herself under the King’s horse. It was also the 35th anniversary of the death of Emmeline Pankhurst, the founder of the suffragette movement in Britain. Pankhurst’s leadership was instrumental in securing voting rights for women in the UK, and her legacy was celebrated with events and exhibitions throughout the country.
SwissRe (insurance company) celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary, see a YouTube clip on the celebrations.
The 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which declared that all slaves in the Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
The 100th Anniversary of the birth of David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor. The last Liberal Party Prime Minister of the UK. Elected during World War One he oversaw the introduction of National Insurance and the creation of the Irish Free State which was the forerunner to the Republic of Ireland.

UK Monarch in 1963: Queen Elizabeth II
UK Prime Minister: Harold Macmillan of the Conservative party presided over the 42nd Parliament.
The UK’s population in 1963 was 53.5 million people.

If you were born in 1963 you are expected to live, on average 84 years if you are male and 87 years if female.

UK Cost of Living in 1963

Petrol (Gallon) 4s 9d (£0.24) or £0.05 per litre
Pint of Beer 2s 1d (10.6p)
Pint of Milk 8d (3.5p)
Loaf of Bread 1s1d (5.6p)
Red Top Newspaper 3d (1.25p)
Average House price £3,158
Family Car (new) £794
Average Annual Salary £650
Inflation is running at 2.4%

If you were born in 1963 when can you retire in the UK?

If you were born in 1963 the UK government will provide a state pension to you in the year 2030. When you are 67 years old. Don’t hold us to this however as many pundits expect this to change in the next few years. Currently, you will be classed as a senior citizen in the UK this year! This, as you reach 60 years old will mean you get free prescriptions in England.

Births, Deaths and Marriages in 1963

Celebrities and Famous People born in the year 1963

Jarvis Cocker(Singer), George Michael(Singer), Seal (Singer), David Seaman (footballer), Ian Wright (footballer), Hugh Bonneville (actor), Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards (Ski Jumper),Amber Rudd (politician), Tracey Emin (artist), John Bercow (politician), James May (journalist/presenter), Simon Armitage (poet laureate), Witney Houston (singer), Jonny Depp (actor)

There were 854,055 births in the UK in 1963.

Notable Deaths in 1963

Max Miller, Guy Burgess, Jack Hobbs, C. S. Lewis.

There were 572,000 deaths in the UK which is about 1% of the population

Marriages in 1963

Princess Alexandra of Kent marries the Hon. Angus Ogilvy at Westminster Abbey.
April Ashley (born George Jamieson) marries Arthur Corbett.
Barbra Streisand marries Elliott Gould.

In the UK 351,329 couples married in 1963. This was a slight increase from the previous years.

Hit Pop Chart Music for 1963

Best Selling Singles for 1963:

She Loves You by The Beatles
(You’re the) Devil in Disguise by Elvis Presley
Summer Holiday by Cliff Richard and the Shadows.
I Want to Hold your Hand by The Beatles.
You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers.

Gerry and the Pacemakers become first act to reach number one with their first three singles all in 1963.

Best Selling Albums of 1963 in the UK

The Beatles released their 1st Album in March 1963, Please Please Me remained in the charts for 30 weeks
Beatles for Sale by The Beatles was the best selling album for 1963.
The Soundtrack of the film Summer Holiday by Cliff Richard and The Shadows was also a best seller in this year.

Top UK Films for 1963

The Great Escape
The Birds
The Sword in the Stone
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

Top UK TV in 1963

Doctor Who was broadcast for the 1st time
Ready Steady Go begins on ITV being the first pop music show in the UK.
Granada Television broadcasts first ‘World in Action’ current affairs program.
Eurovision Song Contest held at BBS Television Centre, UK come 4th, Denmark Wins with a song called Dansevise.
The Dick Emery Show is first broadcast.

British Pathé News Review of 1963

British Pathé News Review of 1963

Sources: